Expanding horizons

DNIS News Network - The Society for Child Development, a Delhi-based
NGO, has published a book designed to benefit physically and mentally challenged
children.

The book on inclusive education, Within Walls, Without Boundaries, focusses
on the simple teaching techniques, such as chalk and talk, that can be used
to assist children with special needs and makes the case for promoting education
for disabled students.

Each chapter highlights a different technique and focusses on a specific type
of disability. Besides this, the book dissects the laws that have been framed
for the disabled people, such as the Disabilities Act 1995. In the opinion of
the author, such laws are open to too much interpretation, making them inaccessible
to the general public as there is a shortage of skilled lawyers to interpret
these laws.

It is hoped that Within Walls, Without Boundaries will become an integral
part of teacher training courses. If the proposed changes are implemented it
will affect about 40 million children with physical and mental disabilities.

Ms Madhumita Puri, director of Society for Child Development, who has co-edited
the book (along with George Abraham), said: "It is an attempt to create sustainable environment for
handicapped children within the bounds of a conventional Indian class-room.
And for this, teachers have to be trained. After all, they are the ones who
are most in touch with the children."